Getting a good recommendation letter can significantly help
you in the application process so it's important to ask someone who you are in
good terms with for a letter. It is also important to ask someone that knows
you well for a recommendation and that you ask them for it in person. If you
are seeking a letter for college or graduate schools, it is recommended that
you request letters from your teachers/professors. If you are seeking a letter
for a job, business or professional school then it would be ideal if you got
one from your current company. If you have not been at your current company
long or if you are not currently employed then asking a previous employer is
recommended. If that is not possible seek recommendations from respected
professionals that you may know, such as doctors, lawyers, politicians,
ministers and so on.
Ask for
the letters early on, don't wait until the day before the letter is supposed to
be sent in to request the letters of recommendation. Instead ask ahead of time.
If you are going to apply to school ask your professor at least a month ahead
of time. If you are seeking a professional letter, ask for a letter of recommendation
whenever you leave a job.
Assist the writer
with as much material as necessary, providing the writer with your resume and a
list of achievments will make it easier on the writer. You may also want to
give him/her any information that will help with the letter including your
plans for the future, your strengths, experiences and other qualities you want
to be presented in the letter. Be honest about the information you give, if you
embellish it'll catch up with you later.
You should provide
the writer with a stamped and addressed envelope. Also if there is a guideline
that needs to be followed or any other material that needs to be filled out,
you should provide that to him/her.
After the letter
is sent out, you should send a thank you note to the writer. You can also thank
them in person or over the phone as well.
